Poverty does bring an inherent "battle" to living. Wealth does "afford" an inherent "freedom". I really think this is what Nivedita meant. Even though poverty is considered a virtue in the spiritual realm, the lack of money hindered Nivedita in her work. The generosity of her friends bonded her to them, especially to Mrs. Ole Bull and to Josephine MacLeod via Mr. Leggett (I think.)
"We saw Swamiji's brother, eldest, just before Christine left. He was looking grand. Such a change has come over the country. All call themselves disciples of Swamiji. He, amongst the number!!! The other day I said to the Holy Mother, "The time is very near that was promised by S.R.K. when you should have too many children. The whole of India is yours!" She answered, "I am seeing it!"
Letters of Sister Nivedita, Vol II, p 995
Mr. Basu
"Swamiji would say, there could indeed be no conduct if life without standards. But by severe self-discipline of all these standards, we acquire power to turn away from life and realize the Oneness that embraces all phenomena."
Oh Yum, I would be glad to die. Life has in many ways been such a failure, and I cannot feel that I am really essential to the Women's Education--and yet, as long as I live, and we are not rich enough to separate, I have to be counted. Everything would it seems to me go better, if I could be left out! Only one or two books remain...
...I dread outliving everyone I care for. Of course it would be different if one could realise the golden aspirations of 1898--and live in a cell. But even then--and it seems impossible to attain, nor does one seem commonly worthyo fo the chance--oen could write no more and teach no more!"
Letters of Sister Nivedita, Vol II, pp 1223, Mr. Basu
"...I suppose I have really made a tempest in a tea cup about S. Sara's notions and Mrs. Brigg's influence. The whole world is a criss-cross of psychic desires and intentions, and we wade knee-deep through it all the time. I think there is perhaps a certain truth in it, and yet it is not so important as I felt it while I was writing to you. Mrs. Hellyer's view is just, too. And the actual danger of death or insanity is proably non-existent. I want to be sane. At the same time, the experience was a very real one and the horror overwhelming. The net result is an echo of Swamiji "give up this Maya! Seek to reach Mukti!" Let them settle it as they will--let Psychic influences fight it out amongst them. There is only one salvation, and that is Mukti. There is only one way to help--and that is to reach it!"
Letters of Sister Nivedita, pp 1170 - 1171, edited by Mr. Basu